While the legend of Jack the Ripper is certainly nothing new iin the world of cinema, this most recent incarnation benefits from a solid story structure, a hypnotic visual sense and a handful of fantastic acting performances. You can forgive From Hell its 'historical license' mainly because the end result is a darkly engrossing and intelligently-written tale; one that is a true rarity: A horror movie for grown-ups.

When I heard that the Jack the Ripper legend was about to be tackled again, I was intrigued by the choice of director(s). Best known for the urban action films Menace II Society and Dead Presidents, The Hughes Brothers might not have seemed like the best "fit" for this material. Someone over at Fox studios was using their head, because these directors bring a truly stunning visual sense to the dank and depraved goings-on. (Imagine a smelly, dirty horror version of Moulin Rouge.)

Though you're no doubt familiar with the tale of Jack the Ripper, From Hell offers some well-told exposition that allows the filmmakers some entertainingly creative license, while still holding close enough to history. (Students of this legend will no doubt point out that The Ripper was indeed never apprehended.) From Hell is a great example of why it's sometimes perfectly fine for filmmakers to re-mold history to tell their story. (For an example of the diametric opposite if this concept, feel free to ingest the muck that is Pearl Harbor.)

It's London in 1885 and a mysterious figure has been slaughtering the local prostitutes in the Whitechapel district. The severity of the killings brings Inspector Abberline to the case, and this is a policeman with a peculiar gift: he seems to catch visions of the killer's next prey. Unfortunately, the detective must also be zonked out on opium before his visions appear. The local crime syndicate is the first suspect, but Abberline rules them out quickly, as the crimes are simply too vile to be committed by petty criminals.

Much of what makes From Hell so entertaining is the clever plot structure the Hughes brothers have conceived. The screenplay (by Terry Hayes and Rafael Yglesias) offers several seemingly unrelated subplots that eventually tie themselves together in a not-completely-predictable fashion. These side stories also offer the audience a who's who of possible murderers. Yes, that's right. From Hell is not merely a stylish horror film, but a pretty damn effective whodunnit to boot!

Firmly entrenched on the grimy streets of London are a rather unsavory cast of characters: the oily Police Commissioner, an obese coroner, a devious carriage driver, the court physician, the local crime boss and his henchmen and of course a whole gaggle of grungy prostitutes. The one beauty among the crowd is the luminous Mary Kelly, who of course catches the eye of Inspector Abberline throughout the course of his investigation.

Though there's hardly a weak link among the cast (more on that in a minute), the star of this film is easily its visual splendor. From its deep purple sunsets to the overwhelmingly vile city streets, From Hell is certainly a wonderful movie to see. And while many modern movies are "fun for the eyes", From Hell is more than just cool to look at.

Johnny Depp (Sleepy Hollow, Blow) adds yet another fantastic performance to his already impressive track record. His Inspector Abberline is by no means a gung-ho crime fighter, but a haunted and tragic figure. Depp brings a wonderful sense of confusion and a trace of ironic humor to his performance, and I think it's one of his best ever. Faring not as well (but still better than usual) is the lovely Heather Graham (Bowfinger, Boogie Nights) as the only beautiful whore in all of London.

If nothing else, From Hell contains a wealth of strong performances by its impressive supporting cast. Ian Holm (Alien, Big Night) as court physician William Gull is as strong as ever. (Has this guy ever given a bad performance?) Ian Richardson (Dark City, Year of the Comet) is great fun as the pompous and untrusting Police Commissioner. As Abberline's affable partner, Robbie Coltrane (Nuns on the Run, GoldenEye) brings an essential sense of sweetness and decency to a story that's simply knee-deep in ugliness.

And make no mistake. Despite the fact that From Hell is a fine motion picture, it is an unremittingly ugly film. From the filthy, urine-soaked streets of the city's red-light district to the grimy and unsavory looking lunatic asylums, From Hell is a movie that will jolt your senses repeatedly. Of course, the shocking violence and candid depictions of base humanity only serve to tell the story better.

Based on the classic graphic novel (by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell), From Hell should prove a solid treat to horror movie fans who've grown weary of slasher machinations and subterranean slime monsters. Deftly plotted, well-acted, graphically memorable and ultimately satsifying, From Hell deserves praise for taking a creaky old tale and offering it in a surprisingly original light.